Author's Note
This is not canon to the actual manga/anime. Elements are the same, but not exactly how it was depicted.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Claymore_anime_rank_symbols.gif (Other Claymore designs)
New World, Old Problems
“Clare, I have a new assignment for you,” Louvre said addressing a female in armor
“What is it,” the female, now known as Clare asked
“You are to eliminate an Awakened Being,” he started
“That’s it? And they need me to do it,” she questioned
“As I was saying before you interrupted me, the Awakened Being is not here. You will be sent to the location by portal. The person you need is known as ‘Celestia’,” Louvre finished
“Allow me to get Raki before I leave,” she said
Clare left her handler to retrieve her assistant and chef Raki. Their relationship was odd as although she saved him, Raki was exiled from his village due to being so close to a Yoma. While they did separate for years, once they were reunited, they became inseparable.
“Hey, Clare what’s up,” Raki asked
“We have a mission to complete. Hopefully we’ll learn more when we get there,” she said
“Ah, best of luck to you two. Unfortunately payment will be handled differently this time,” Louvre said as he summoned a portal
“Sister, our guest will be arriving soon,” Luna said sensing new magic
“Good, maybe we can finally get rid of our problem,” Celestia replied
After exiting the portal both Raki and Clare noticed their location was completely different. Instead of dark skies, villages and castles, everywhere was bright and sunny.
“Clare, where are we,” Raki asked
“Louvre said something about another location and defeating an Awakened Being. He also mentioned meeting someone named ‘Celestia’,” Clare answered
“Well, maybe someone here can help us. There must be a village or town nearby,” he said
The two walked until they indeed came to a town where they saw multicolored ponies running around.
“Let’s try that giant tree house,” Raki suggested
“Lead the way,” she said
The two walked over to the tree house and knocked on the door and a purple pony answered.
“Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle. Who are you two,” Twilight asked
“I’m Raki and this is Clare. Do you mind if we came in,” Raki asked
“Of course. Do you mind removing that thing on your back,” Twilight asked
“I would prefer not to. Our Claymores are as much a part of us as our armor is,” Clare said
“Please be careful with it,” Twilight asked
As the three walked inside, Raki took a seat in one of the chairs while Clare drew her claymore and stuck it into the floor as she sat against it.
“Do you mind answering a few questions? Firstly, where are we,” Raki asked
“You are in Ponyville in Equestria. The entire world is called Equus. Where are you two from,” Twilight asked
“Not from here. We were sent here by a portal form another world. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a name,” Clare said
“Sent by a portal? Who was it? Discord,” Twilight asked
“My handler Louvre sent us. We were told to meet with someone named ‘Celestia’. Do you know her? No, I don’t know anyone called ‘Discord’,” Clare said
“Of course I know Celestia. I’m her student. I need to send her a letter. I’ll be back in a moment,” Twilight said excitedly
“Celestia just sent me a reply. She is sending someone to pick you up,” Twilight said
A few minutes later a carriage arrived and Clare and Raki reluctantly climbed inside. Once they arrived at the castle a white pony in golden armor met them outside.
“Remove your sword before you walk inside. No one threatens the princesses,” the pony said
“And who are you to order me around,” Clare demanded
“I am Shining Armor. Captain of the guards and married to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” Shining said
“It doesn’t get removed unless I need it,” she said gripping the handle
Shining led the two to the throne room before turning away. The guard was redirected to making sure no one enters the area while the princesses had visitors. Clare and Raki headed inside where she drew her sword and stuck it into the floor before sitting against it.
“So, the Claymore we asked for arrived. Perhaps introductions are in order. I am Princess Celestia and this is my sister, Princess Luna. We asked for assistance because a menace has been killing our citizens. Her name is Chrysalis and she has an army of Changelings at her disposal,” Celestia said
“I am Clare and this is Raki. I was informed by my handler, Louvre about an Awakened Being. I’m guessing that this Chrysalis is my target,” Clare answered
“Clare, do you mind if I look into your mind. I’d prefer to ask before invading a person's privacy,” Celestia asked
“Go ahead but do not be alarmed at what you see,” Clare answered
Celestia put a hoof on Clare’s forehead and saw flashes of Teresa's death by Pricilla and Clare holding her dead mentor’s head asking to be changed. Next was Clare rescuing Raki from the Yoma that killed his family. Other scenes included Clare’s near full awakening, her losing her arm and Ilena giving up her remaining arm to help. Celestia withdrew and was shocked at what transpired in the Claymore’s life.
“I’m sorry you suffered so much pain. Hopefully you have a peaceful life in the future,” Celestia said
“Thank you for those kind words. Unfortunately I will change into an Awakened Being and will die. Until then, I hope for a peaceful life,” Clare said
“Raki, you will stay here at the castle for safety. Clare will be passing through the Everfree forest and it is dangerous for anyone to enter as there are creatures including Manticores and Timberwolves living there,” Celestia said
“I will leave in the morning. Anything that tries to kill me will be eliminated,” Clare said
“Do what you must. In the meantime, you can join us for dinner. While we do not have meat, our chefs use substitutes that are able to replicate the taste,” Celestia said
After dinner the two were led to a room where Raki fell asleep on the bed while Clare slept on the floor. In the morning after eating breakfast, Clare got ready to leave as Twilight and five others were entering the castle. Celestia had a chariot waiting to take Clare back to Ponyville in order to defeat Chrysalis.
“Bye Clare. Good luck and come back soon,” Raki said hugging her
“I’ll be back. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone,” Clare said hugging him back
Once she climbed on the chariot, Twilight and her friends showed up and started asking questions to Raki.
“Who was that girl with the huge thing on her back and who are you,” the pink pony asked getting in Raki’s face
“Easy, Pinkie. Let him have some space. I’m Applejack, that’s Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity. You’ve already met Twilight,” Applejack said introducing everyone
“I’m Raki and that was Clare with the Claymore on her back,” he said
“How’d you get here,” the blue one demanded
“Someone Clare knows sent us here through a portal,” Raki answered
“When your friend gets back, I’m going to throw a party for the two of you,” Pinkie said bouncing up and down
Meanwhile Clare landed in Ponyville and was directed to the forest before her escort left. She was informed that after the job was done, to visit the library to have a message sent to the Princesses. While heading to the edge of town, Clare noticed that most ponies she passed ran inside to hide. While walking, she hadn't noticed a change in Yoki energy, meaning no Yoma were located in town. Upon entering the forest she sensed the presence of multiple creatures and was unsure what or where they were.
“Strange, I’m sensing the Yoki of dozens, no hundreds of Yoma. I must be near a hive,” Clare said to herself
Once she reached a clearing in the forest, three creatures leapt out of hiding to attack. Each looked like a wolf but was noticeably bigger and made of bark. Clare guessed these were the Timberwolves Celestia warned her about. One was much bigger than the others and she assumed it to be the Alpha.
Drawing her Claymore, the Alpha charged to attack. She swung the sword at the front legs and sliced them cleanly off, causing the great wolf to skid to a halt. Clare stepped to one side and brought the blade through the neck to cleanly remove it. The other two wolves attacked simultaneously and with one slash, Clare sliced both in half as sap sprayed out. She shook the blade and most of the sap was removed although a tiny bit still remained.
After finding a river, Clare splashed some water on the blade and used a leaf to clean the remaining sap off. Once finished, she left and headed through the forest before sensing the massive Yoki energy.
Clare noticed that she was at the end of the forest and a black mountain stood along the path. She held her sword out and saw hundreds of four-legged black bug creatures that looked similar to ponies all with Yoki powers.
She quickly dispatched a few guards outside the mountainous hive before cutting a hole and walking inside. With all the fights she's been in, Clare was used to fighting multiple Yoma and was able to suppress her own Yoki power, although she hoped not to use enough to awaken.
Once inside the hive, Clare cut down everything in sight, going through every room to make sure nothing was missed.
She wasn't trying to hide as a dozen changeling Yoma greeted her on a ramp to reach the next level. While she was trying to hide her power, seeing the line of Yoma made her activate enough energy to use Ilena’s Quicksword technique to completely destroy the enemies in a spray of green blood and gore.
After killing all of the smaller enemies, Clare finally reached the top and killed the final group of guards in her way as only one creature remained. Standing in the room was a bigger version of the minions she’d been killing along the way. This one had holes in the legs and a spiraled horn and stood twice as tall as everything else. Clare estimated this creature was the same height as the princesses she met the other day.
“So you are the one that has been killing my children. I am surprised they would send another Claymore here to die. I am Chrysalis, who are you,” Chrysalis asked
“My name is Clare. The Organization sent me here to eliminate an Awakened Being and I am guessing that is you. Once I defeat you, I will bring your head back as proof of your death,” Clare said coldly
Chrysalis charged forward to attack but was met by the side of the blade as Clare swung the blade around to follow up, only for her opponent to dodge. Clare followed up the missed attack with another that caused a glancing blow to Chrysalis’s side chipping her armor.
“Not bad, but that will be your only success,” Chrysalis taunted
Clare watched at the cut healed up, although the chitin was still broken. Chrysalis kicked Clare sending her skidding across the room before charging to attempt to gore the swordsman. On instinct, Clare brought up the flat of the sword causing Chrysalis to skid while Clare countered with a kick to her side knocking her down.
“You are the first to put up a fight,” Chrysalis said getting to her feet
Clare kept calm so she didn't unnecessarily expend her Yoki energy and transform. She grabbed her sword and tried swinging low to stop Chrysalis from attacking. As she charged in, Chrysalis countered and swatted the attack away, sending Clare into the stone throne while her sword slid across the room.
“Enough playing around. This ends here and now,” Chrysalis said as she transformed
Instead of keeping the pony form, her chitin cracked apart and revealed the Awakened form. Chrysalis changed into a black scarab beetle and started flying around. Clare struggled to get up and retrieve her sword as she was attacked.
“Any last words before I kill you,” Chrysalis taunted
“You talk too damn much,” Clare replied
Now trying to finish the fight, Clare charged staying low and tried to attack the exposed stomach. Although she missed the target, she was successful at removing one of the beetle’s back legs and ended up getting sprayed by the green blood in the process. As Clare tried to remove the other leg, Chrysalis flew out of the way and used her front legs to attack as Clare ducked. A second attempt at attacking the leg was successful as Clare now decided to move on to the wings.
As Chrysalis dove to attack, Clare waited until the last moment to slice into the right wing knocking her off balance. Once Chrysalis landed, Clare charged and sliced off the left wing and leapt over to attack the remaining injured wing. Now partially helpless, Clare decapitated her opponent before using her Quicksword ability to destroy the remaining body leaving a mess of green changeling blood and flesh strewn around the chamber.
Once she was finished, Clare grabbed the head and left the hive before heading back through the forest. Taking a look at her clothes and noticing they had green stains on them, she found a pond and quickly removed them and washed them and replaced them once they were dry. Seeing it was getting late, Clare started looking for a temporary shelter. She found a cave and once she stepped inside, realized it contained occupants.
“Sorry to bother you. I only wish to rest here for a little while before I leave,” Clare said, hoping the occupants could understand her
Taking a look at the occupants, she noticed it was two bears that had stars covering their bodies with one was much bigger then the other. Clare stuck her sword in the ground and fell asleep immediately. A few hours later when she woke up, Clare noticed a small chunk of meat nearby. While she didn’t need to eat, it was better to have something as she did expend a lot of energy in the fight.
“Thank you for the food,” she said
As she grabbed her sword and the head, the smaller of the two bears decided to follow Clare out.
“You want to accompany me,” she asked as the bear nodded “Very well. Thank you.”
The two of them passed through the Everfree Forest and Clare noticed nothing attempted to attack them. She noticed the size of her chaperone and guessed that was the cause. Once they reached the edge, the bear followed Clare outside where it stopped.
“Thank you for accompanying me back here. It was nice,” Clare said as the bear
raised a paw which she grabbed to shake
Clare headed back to Ponyville where she noticed tables were set up for a party with a banner that read ‘Welcome to Ponyville’. She saw both of the princesses along with the purple pony, Twilight and five others around Raki.
“Your Yoma problem is finished,” Clare said tossing Chrysalis’s head towards the group
“What happened to the rest of the changelings,” Celestia asked
“Eliminated,” Clare said
“Congratulations, Clare. Maybe we can go home sometime,” Raki said
“How'd you tame an Ursa Minor,” Fluttershy asked
“That is what those are called? I stayed in a cave with a child and adult inside. I wasn’t sure if they understood me about wanting a place to sleep but when I woke up, a small chunk of meat was placed by me to eat. I thanked them for the food and had the Ursa Minor accompany me through the forest. I am not sure about befriending it, but I’m guessing that they realized I meant no harm and wanted to help me,” Clare answered
“Going home? That isn’t going to happen,” Louvre said stepping out of a portal
“What do you mean we aren't leaving,” Clare asked “I eliminated the Awakened Being just like I was asked to.”
“You did, but The Organization found out about your treachery. They wanted to send an execution team but I suggested something different. Your payment is you staying here. Maybe you'll have a peaceful life or maybe you’ll change and run wild. Have fun,” Louvre said turning to leave
“You bastard! Leaving us here like that! Damn you,” Raki exclaimed throwing a cupcake at Louvre
“Before I go, perhaps I should leave you with one thing,” Louvre said snapping his fingers
Both Clare and Raki began to change into ponies. Clare became a solid white earth pony with a short light blonde mane and tail along with her Claymore design as her cutie mark as she kept her silver eyes. She also had two scars on her body; the first was the stigmata on her chest, while the second was around her right shoulder where the transplant of Ilena’s arm was completed. Her armor was also modified to fit her as the ‘skirt’ around her waist was kept along with the breastplate with sword sheath. Raki became a light brown earth pony with similar hair and mane with a frying pan crossed with a sword for a cutie mark as he still had his sword strapped on his side.
“Now that that is done, I'll take my leave,” Louvre said stepping through the portal
“What did he mean by change,” Twilight asked
“The Awakened Being I killed is an advanced form of a Yoma. All Claymores, which is what I am, are part Yoma. I will transform into a monster and I want you, Raki, to be the one to finish me when it happens,” Clare said
“Of course. I've stopped you from completely turning once but who knows when it will happen again,” Raki said
“How did you get those scars on your body, darling,” Rarity asked
“The stigmata on my chest is where my power was implanted, while a friend gave me her arm after mine was cut off,” Clare answered
“That's impossible for someone to do that,” Twilight said
“I’d say you would be right had it not happened. A Claymore known as Ophelia wanted to torture me so she sliced off my right arm after realizing that was my dominant side. Another Claymore who was on the execution squad for my mentor saved me and taught me a technique that was impossible for me to learn in my current state so Ilena sliced off her remaining arm and had me attach it,” Clare said
“Ophelia? Worst thing to name a girl. There's so many that can be made,” Dash said laughing
“What was the execution for,” Luna asked
“My mentor Teresa broke a rule that Claymores cannot kill humans. Four Claymores were sent to kill her and they basically failed. One of the group, Pricilla transformed and killed my mentor before killing two of her own group as well,” Clare answered
“Changing the subject, what are we going to do, Clare? I can probably work or assist as a cook but what about you? The den of Yoma was destroyed, I don’t think there are any more here,” Raki said
“I don’t know, but at least we have a new life. Maybe there could be a way to rid me of my Yoma but I'm not sure if I’d survive,” Clare said
“Well, regardless of what happens, I'm glad to be with you. I love you and spent seven years training and looking for you in the hopes of being with you again,” Raki said hugging her
“I love you too. It took me a while to actually realize my true feelings. Whatever happens in the future is fine as long as we are together through it,” Clare said kissing him
“What does your cutie mark mean? Raki must be a chef and good with swords, but yours in unknown,” Twilight asked
“It's my Claymore symbol,” Clare said drawing her blade before sticking it into the ground “After a Claymore completes the training, we each create our own design and have them etched on our armor and swords.”https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/claymore/images/d/d8/Clarerank.png/revision/latest?cb=20110720045548
After the party, arrangements were made that Raki would assist as a chef at the castle while Clare would assist in training the guards in swordsmanship. Until they had a house, the two were given rooms in the castle to help adjust to their new lives and Clare was given authorization to eliminate any Yoma that may reside in the world, regardless of where they might be.
A few days later, a portal opened up in the Everfree Forest and three white ponies, bearing a similar appearance to Clare appeared.
“Where the hell are we? The Organization sends out us on a Yoma hunt to have everyone else killed only to send us away,” one of them asked
“Well, we have new appearances to match the world, so I'm guessing this is a world of ponies,” a second replied
“Enough. We need to find a town with occupants so we can find out where we are,” the third said, acting as leader
“Yes ma'am,” the other two said
The three armored ponies somehow managed to find their way out of the forest before finding themselves near a town. Upon seeing the three ponies with swords on their backs, Twilight ran to Clare’s house to get the Claymore.
“Clare, come quick! There's something you need to see,” Twilight said
“Raki, grab my sword, just in case,” Clare said calmly
The three of them headed out where Clare saw the three armored ponies and immediately approached them. Looking at their cutie marks, she recognized her friends.
“Helena, Deneve, Miria? It's been a while,” Clare said
“Clare? Oh my god, it is you,” Deneva said hugging her friend
“Where are we,” Helen asked
“The town we're in is Ponyville, while entire country is Equestria,” Clare answered
“How did you get here,” Miria asked
“My former handler, Louvre sent me here to kill an Awakened Being. Instead of me going home, my payment was staying here. It's not all bad; Raki is assisting as a chef and I am training the Royal Guards in swordsmanship,” Clare explained
“Same for us. We were on an Awakened Being hunt that killed everyone but us. Instead of being executed, we were sent here,” Miria said
“Who are these three,” a voice called behind Clare
“These three Claymores; Helen, Deneve, and Phantom Miria are my friends. This is Princess Celestia, one of two rulers along with her sister Luna.”
“Nice to meet you, your majesty. That was a nickname most gave me due to my speed,” Miria said with a bow
“How fast are you? I'm Rainbow Dash, the fastest in Equestria,” Dash said boasting
Miria race forward and slapped Dash on both cheeks before returning to where she stood before anyone could comprehend what happened.
“That hurt. You might be faster than me,” Dash said rubbing her face
“Keep the title. Mine's fine for me,” Miria said
“Raki, is that you? You’ve grown up since we last saw you,” Deneve said
“How'd you get the second blade,” Clare asked
“It was Undine’s. She was on the hunt with us. Before she died, she gave me the sword,” Deneve said
“Sorry for the loss of your friend,” Celestia said
“So, Clare. Are the two of you married,” Helen asked
“No. We live together but that's it,” Clare said
“Well, it is uncommon, but some males have formed a herd with multiple females,” Celestia said
“Raki, would you agree with having the four of us as your mates,” Miria asked
“I would. I love Clare and spent seven years training in swordsmanship to catch up to her,” Raki replied
“Well, tomorrow we can hold the ceremony in the castle. The five of you and Twilight and her friends will be in attendance,” Celestia said
“In the meantime, you'll be staying at our house,” Clare said
The next day a carriage arrived and the five climbed inside as they were flown to the castle. Deneve and Helen were shocked at the size, while Miria seemed to be unfazed with all the castles she'd been to at home. Shining led everyone to the throne room where Twilight and her friends were present besides Luna and Celestia.
“Raki, do you take these four mares: Clare, Helen, Deneva and Miria to be your mates,” Celestia asked
“I do,” Raki said confidently
“Then I now pronounce you all married,” Celestia said
“While we are gathered together, there is something that needs to be addressed. All of you remove your swords. Yes, you too, Raki,” Miria directed
All five of them drew their blades with Deneve holding her two blades on the bottom, followed by Helen, Clare and Miria with Raki placing his on top, forming a six-pointed star with the swords.
“In the event that any of us becomes an Awakened Being; do you, Raki, agree to take the duties of executing the Black Card and carrying out our deaths,” Miria asked
“Yes. In the event any of you change, I will use your blade to carry out the execution without question,” Raki agreed
“Then it's settled,” Clare said
“How can you make that promise to kill someone,” Twilight asked
“Because the change becomes permanent and we would go on a killing spree. Each of us has broken the limit of our Yoki power, but it is only a matter of time before we reach the point of no return,” Clare said
“I would do anything to protect them, even if it means ending them,” Raki said
“What is a Black Card,” Luna asked
“Each of us gives the card to the person who we want to kill us. Because we are in Equestria, Raki is the one we trust to carry it out,” Miria explained
“Princess Celestia, when I fought against Chrysalis, she mentioned Claymores. What did she mean by that,” Clare asked curiously
"We have had a few Claymores brought through the portal to try to take care of Chrysalis and another being known as Tirek. We haven't heard anything from Tirek, so we are unsure if he had been defeated or not. Those who fought Chrysalis were either killed, or became Awakened Beings and were killed by Chrysalis afterwards,” Celestia answered
“What were done with the swords,” Miria asked
“They are put in a secure vault deep in the castle. Unfortunately no bodies were ever found,” Luna said
“Thank you. At least we know something was recovered,” Clare said
“If you don’t mind, perhaps we could retrieve the swords and create a makeshift memorial for our fallen friends,” Miria asked
“Of course. Follow me,” Celestia said
The two princesses led the group out of the throne room and into the bowels of the castle before stopping at a sealed room. Once it was opened, Luna levitated the four blades out before Celestia closed it back up. The swords were teleported back to the house in Ponyville where all that was needed was a stone. Once they returned home, the group set out to find a stone big enough to use.
“Hey, what about this one,” Raki called
“That's perfect. Let's get it pulled out and move it back to the house,” Clare said
The stone was the same height as the girls and was big enough that it took three to transport it back. Once at home, Miria drew her sword and carved two simple words in the rock, ‘RIP Claymore’. After that was finished, each of the fallen four Claymores had their swords driven into the ground. Deneve withdrew Undine’s blade and used it to start a second row leaving the middle open.
“When each of us die, our sword will be added to the others. The middle is left open for you, Raki. You may not have been a Claymore, but you are still deserving of having your sword placed among ours,” Miria said
“Thank you. I may not be religious but I hope our fallen friends led long enough lives,” Raki said bowing his head
